“Abstainer: A weak person who yields to the temptation of denying himself a pleasure”
— Ambrose Bierce
Simplified Meaning:
This quote talks about someone who chooses to avoid something enjoyable because they can't resist the urge to deny themselves that pleasure. It suggests that avoiding pleasure is not a sign of strength, but rather a sign of weakness. For example, imagine someone who loves chocolate but decides never to eat it again because they fear they might enjoy it too much. Instead of showing strong willpower by controlling their chocolate intake, they simply avoid it altogether because they can't trust themselves. The idea here is that it's better to enjoy life's pleasures in moderation rather than completely deny them out of fear. In practical terms, someone could apply this by allowing themselves to enjoy small treats or experiences without feeling guilty, promoting a balanced and happier life.
